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Sunday, May 9, 2010

Fire by Kristin Cashore

Book Summery:Fire, Graceling's prequel-ish companion book, takes place across the mountains to the east of the seven kingdoms, in a rocky, war-torn land called the Dells. Beautiful creatures called monsters live in the Dells. Monsters have the shape of normal animals: mountain lions, dragonflies, horses, fish. But the hair or scales or feathers of monsters are gorgeously colored-- fuchsia, turquoise, sparkly bronze, iridescent green-- and their minds have the power to control the minds of humans. Seventeen-year-old Fire is the last remaining human-shaped monster in the Dells. Gorgeously monstrous in body and mind but with a human appreciation of right and wrong, she is hated and mistrusted by just about everyone, and this book is her story. -goodreads.com

Book Trailer:

Book Review:
Cashore has captured my heart with both of her books, Fire and Graceling. Fire takes place roughly about 30 years before Graceling, in a country called the Dells. I love this new world Cashore has created. The Dells boasts home to beautiful and frightening creatures known simply as monsters. They are more stunning in beauty and more vicious in their intentions. Enter our protagonist, Fire, a rare, human-monster who caries the emotions of the world in her heart. Fire is truly one-of-kind in appearance and in spirit. What I think enhances Fire's character most are her interactions with other characters, and what a beautiful and vivid cast of characters they are.

Archer has good intentions, but his emotions get the best of him at times. Brocker, the kindhearted father Fire never had, who hidess a deep secret. King Nash, a sweet, but overly emotional man. Roen, the once Queen who holds wisdom and secrets of her own. Brigan, Nash's younger brother who is intense and quiet, but wonderfully fair and kind. Cansrel, Fire's overbearing, cold-hearted father, who holds a soft spot for Fire alone. Little Hannah who is precious, but not easily deceptive. These are just a few of the vibrant characters that inhabit the Dells.

Cashore has deepened her writing in this companion novel. Fire is rich with politics, relationships, friendships, secrets, and discoveries. There is also an appearance by a sole character from Graceling, who is unmistakable in his description alone. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It truly is a novel that everyone should read at least once in their life. I plan to re-read it again in the future.

Favorite Quote:

"It did not surprise Fire that the man in the forest shot her. What surprised her was that he shot her by accident." (p. 19)

Cover Art Commentary:
I really do love the cover's of Cashore's books. I love the boldness and simplicity of the colors and the items used to represent the story. Fire looks gorgeous next to Graceling.